HP reveals surprise rise in sales

"We've been able to capitalise on that uncertainty and our win rates are up against IBM," Ms Whitman added.

For now, HP is keen on boosting its profitability.

In May, it estimated another 11,000 to 16,000 more jobs needed to be cut on top of 34,000 previously announced. That took the grand total under Ms Whitman's restructuring, which began with her ascension to the post in 2011, to as much as 50,000.

On Wednesday, HP narrowed its earnings forecast for the full year to $3.70 to $3.74 per share, from $3.63 to $3.75 previously. Shares of the company dipped 0.8pc to $34.84 after-hours. They closed at $35.12 on the New York Stock Exchange.

It posted $1.7bc or 89 cents per share of non-gaap diluted net earnings, up 3pc and in line with average forecasts.

Ms Whitman said HP was assessing its $4bn software business in view of an industry migration toward Internet-based or cloud software. And she said the company, with $4.7bn in net cash, could make acquisitions if needed.

"We're in a position to make acquisitions the way we weren't over the past year," she said.

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